"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear"

Emergency and Disaster Response–June 2015

Civil Unrest

As the foundations underpinning society are stripped away, the world becomes a more dangerous place. While it may have been a remote possibility at one time, it is increasingly likely that during our lifetimes, we will encounter some type of dangerous civil unrest. The suggestions below may help you and your loved ones weather such events safely.

Be prayerful. The Spirit will alert us to dangerous situations if we will hearken.

Pay attention to what’s happening in the world and especially in your area. Stay on top of the news (even when you’d rather not) so that you know when people are upset and where they are congregating. If there is a particular group that is problematic in your area, you may consider following them on Facebook or Twitter. Most gatherings are not spontaneous and much of the planning takes place on social media.

If you know there will be problems, stay home or at least away from problem spots. If violence is likely to be near your home, it is still usually better to harden your home and stay put as long as possible.

Consider carrying pepper spray or some other weapon as part of your Every Day Carry.

Take a self-defense class.

Carry a 72-hour kit in your car whenever you are away. If you have the necessities of life, you simply have more options. Make sure that you have a paper map and/or know multiple routes home so you can avoid trouble spots.

Improve your situational awareness. When you walk into a building, locate your exits and pay attention to the people around you. If somebody is acting suspiciously or something seems wrong, trust that feeling.

If you find yourself in the middle of a violent group:

Remember that law enforcement is there to deal with the mob, not to protect you. It is up to you to protect yourself and your loved ones.

If you are in the middle of the group, work your way out to the edge. You are more likely to be crushed, trampled or dragged in the center.

Avoid becoming trapped against a wall or fence or pushed into a corner.

If objects are being thrown, get well behind the launch points and find cover.

Blend in and then get out. Anyone who stands out is likely to become a target. Obviously, don’t participate, but if everyone is chanting or waving their fists in the air, chanting and waving along with the crowd might just keep you unnoticed long enough to get to safety.